Rating: 3.77
(46)

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

February 8, 2024

Lemon chicken orzo soup is the perfect balance of light and comforting, making it a go-to dish for any season. This refreshing, yet hearty soup combines tender chicken, fresh lemon, and soft orzo pasta in a savory broth, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and soothing.

The base of this soup starts with a simple, yet aromatic broth, typically made from chicken stock, garlic, onions, and a hint of thyme or rosemary for depth. Once the broth is simmering, you add in diced chicken breast or thighs, which cook quickly and absorb all the flavorful broth. As the chicken cooks, it becomes juicy and tender, adding richness to the soup.

The real magic of this soup, however, comes from the addition of lemon. Fresh lemon zest and juice bring a zesty, bright contrast to the savory broth, lifting the entire dish and giving it a vibrant, refreshing flavor. The acidity from the lemon also balances out the richness of the chicken and orzo, creating a well-rounded and light soup.

Orzo pasta is the perfect choice for this dish, as it’s small and delicate, soaking up the broth without overwhelming the other ingredients. It adds just the right amount of texture, making each spoonful feel hearty yet not too heavy. You can also toss in some fresh spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for an extra boost of color and nutrition.

This lemon chicken orzo soup is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding other vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas, depending on what you have on hand. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a light lunch that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.

Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or craving a healthy, bright meal, lemon chicken orzo soup is the ideal choice. With its tangy lemon flavor, tender chicken, and delicate orzo, it’s the perfect bowl of comfort in every spoonful.

This soup is not only delicious but also a healthy choice. It is packed with protein from the chicken, essential nutrients from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the orzo pasta. The addition of lemon provides a refreshing twist and adds vitamin C to boost your immune system. This soup is a great way to warm up during the colder months while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
3.77 from 46 votes
Delicious and savory lemon chicken orzo soup recipe
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 carrots diced
  • 3 stalks celery diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup chicken shredded, cooked
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 lemons juiced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  • 2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • 3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  • 4. Add shredded chicken and orzo pasta to the pot. Cook until orzo is tender, about 10 minutes.
  • 5. Stir in lemon juice and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • 6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 15gFat: 5gFiber: 3g
Calories: 200kcal
Meal Type: Soup
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: chicken soup, orzo, soup, soups
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar tory.nikolaus1977 says:

    5 stars
    Easy peasy! My kids loved it! I added some corn for fun. Will make again!

  2. User avatar Super Saiyan Blue Vegeta says:

    5 stars
    This soup is delish! Perfect for a cold day. Will make again!

  3. User avatar ava.koepp54 says:

    2 stars
    Eh, it was okay. The lemon flavor was too strong for my liking. 2 stars.

  4. User avatar denver.medhurst2018 says:

    2 stars
    I tried it, but my orzo turned mushy. Did I leave it too long? Not sure if I’ll make it again.

    1. User avatar Pizpot Gargravarr says:

      4 stars
      Sounds like you might’ve overcooked the orzo. It only takes about 10 minutes, but if you let it sit too long after it’s done, it can get mushy. Give it another try—just watch the timing! 😊

    2. User avatar ryann.gislason says:

      3 stars
      I dunno. Maybe orzo just ain’t for you? It can be tricky. I messed it up too once, it’s all a part of cooking, right? Just keep trying!

  5. User avatar Sabre Cat says:

    2 stars
    Too lemony for me. I guess I’m not a fan of citrus in soup. 🙁

    1. User avatar Frost Atronach says:

      3 stars
      Too much lemon? I thought soups needed some zip? 🤷‍♂️ But hey, we all have our taste buds. Don’t worry!

    2. User avatar Mr. Lauren Jerde says:

      5 stars
      I actually loved the citrus flavor! It really brightens up the soup. Maybe try reducing the lemon juice next time?

  6. User avatar larry.rau1965 says:

    4 stars
    Tasted good but I wish it had a bit more lemon. Maybe I’ll add more next time.

  7. User avatar lovetta.wunsch says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but I think I prefer my chicken noodle soup. 🤷‍♀️

  8. User avatar Ilene East says:

    3 stars
    I’m skeptical about the 10 minutes for orzo—mine took longer and got a bit soft. Still tasty, but timing needs adjusting.

  9. 5 stars
    This soup is amazing! I can’t believe how flavorful it is. Perfect for a rainy day!

    1. User avatar vaughn.braun61 says:

      5 stars
      I tried it too! It’s really good! I added some spinach for extra greens. Yum!

  10. User avatar gwendolyn.wolf7 says:

    3 stars
    I didn’t have orzo, so I used rice instead. It wasn’t as good, but still decent. 3/5

    1. 2 stars
      I don’t know, man. Rice and soup? That’s kinda weird. Orzo is way better for soups! 🤔

    2. User avatar Daniela Bosco says:

      4 stars
      Using rice instead of orzo is a smart move if you don’t have the right ingredients! Glad you found it decent! 👍

  11. User avatar etta.donnelly2 says:

    3 stars
    Not sure what happened, the recipe seemed off. Is it really 6 cups of broth? I used 5 and couldn’t finish.

  12. User avatar lanie.frami70 says:

    3 stars
    It was okay I guess. Nothing special, I was expecting more flavor.

  13. 2 stars
    Why does it say 1 cup of chicken? That’s not enough for soup! Use 2 at least!!

  14. User avatar roland.rosenbaum says:

    4 stars
    I added some spinach because I had some. It was good. Not sure if it’s how the recipe intended but I liked it.

  15. 5 stars
    My kids loved it! Used chicken thighs instead of breast, added some spices too! Yum! 5/5

  16. 4 stars
    Pretty good! I used a little less orzo and it still worked, but mine thickened more than I expected after it sat. Taste-wise though, it was solid.

  17. 5 stars
    This soup is amazing! So refreshing and perfect for a cozy night! 5 stars!

    1. User avatar Draugr Overlord says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This soup just hits the spot on a chilly evening. Easy to make too!

    2. 2 stars
      It looks good, but I don’t like lemon in my soup. Isn’t that kinda weird?

  18. User avatar marquis.vonrueden52 says:

    1 star
    I dunno. This seems too simple. Where’s the spice? Might as well just drink some broth.

  19. 3 stars
    Tried it but the orzo got mushy. Maybe I cooked it too long?

  20. 5 stars
    So easy and honestly way better than boxed soup. Also my whole kitchen smelled amazing. 10/10.

3.77 from 46 votes
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